[Experimental study on prevention and treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with heparin]

To observe the preventive and therapeutic feasibility of heparin calcium injection in rats with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Normal control group (A, n=6), heparin-treated rats (B, n=6) and model group (C, n=6). Rat model of FSGS was constructed with low-dose adriamycin, metaraminol and high lipid feed method. Group B was treated with heparin. 24-hour urinary protein was measured at the 0, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 12th week. Serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) were determined at 0, 2nd, 6th and 12th week. Renal cortex blood flow was performed at the 12th week. Renal pathology changes were evaluated at the 12th week as well.

24-hour urinary protein was decreased in heparin treatment group after 6th week. The serum cholesterol level in heparin treatment group was lower than that in model group at 12th week. Renal cortex blood flow was increased significantly in heparin -treated group. Glomerular sclerotic index (SI) and glomerular extracellular matrix (ECM)/glomerular area (GA) were decreased significantly in heparin treatment group. Electron microscopy revealed that there was no glomerular capillary cavities obstruction in heparin -treated group, basement membrane change and foot precesses fusion were markedly alleviated in comparison with model group.

Heparin may be play a valuable role in the prevention and treatment of FSGS.